Tick Paralysis in Dogs and Cats: Sydney’s Hidden Danger

As the warm months roll into Sydney’s North Shore and Hornsby District, one small parasite poses a big threat to our pets: the paralysis tick. Every year, countless dogs and cats are rushed to vets across Sydney suffering from tick paralysis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Ixodes holocyclus tick.

At Normanhurst Vet Practice, we see an increase in tick paralysis cases every spring and summer, particularly following periods of humid or wet weather. Whether your pet enjoys bush walks, your backyard, or even just naps near open windows, knowing how to prevent, identify, and respond to ticks can truly save a life.

Understanding the Paralysis Tick

The paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is native to the east coast of Australia and thrives in warm, moist environments. These ticks are found from northern Queensland down to Victoria, with Sydney’s bushland and coastal areas being prime habitats.

They begin life as eggs in leaf litter or grass before progressing through larval and nymph stages, each requiring a blood meal from a host. Adult female ticks attach to mammals, often dogs and cats, and feed for several days, releasing a neurotoxin into the bloodstream that can cause paralysis and, if untreated, death.

The tick’s lifecycle accelerates in warm, humid conditions, which is why Sydney’s tick season typically peaks from September through March.

Tick Risk in Sydney: Where and When to Be Most Vigilant

Paralysis ticks are most prevalent along Sydney’s Upper North Shore, Northern Beaches, and Ku-ring-gai regions, extending through Hornsby, Berowra, Wahroonga, and the Lane Cove National Park corridor. Pets that frequent bushy backyards, parks, or walking trails in these areas are especially at risk.

Each year, we are seeing an increasing number of treatment admissions come into Normanhurst Vet Practice.

Even pets that rarely venture outdoors aren’t entirely safe! Ticks can hitch a ride inside on clothing, other animals, or garden plants.

Tip: After a warm, wet spell or during the first few hot weeks of spring, always assume ticks are active.

For more information, the RSPCA Australia website has a useful blog about Tick Prevention.

Recognising Tick Paralysis in Dogs

Dogs are more likely than cats to encounter ticks due to their outdoor adventures. Symptoms of tick paralysis in dogs often start subtly before escalating quickly:

  • Weakness in the back legs or wobbly walking
  • Change in bark (often hoarse or muffled)
  • Vomiting, retching, or difficulty swallowing
  • Heavy or laboured breathing
  • Lethargy and collapse

If untreated, the toxin spreads through the nervous system, leading to full-body paralysis and respiratory failure.

What to do:
If you notice any of these signs or find a tick, contact Normanhurst Vet Practice immediately on (02) 9489 6000. Do not attempt to remove the tick yourself as this can inject more toxin. Instead, keep your pet calm and head to the clinic or call us to arrange a VetVan visit if you can’t safely transport your pet.

Recognising Tick Paralysis in Cats

Cats are masters of disguise; they often hide illness until it becomes serious. Paralysis tick symptoms in cats can be more subtle but just as dangerous:

  • Sudden lethargy or hiding behaviour
  • Weakness or wobbliness in back legs
  • Change in voice or inability to meow
  • Loss of appetite or vomiting
  • Laboured breathing or panting (rare in cats)

Even indoor cats can be affected if ticks enter the home via clothing or other pets. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention urgently.

What To Do If You Find a Tick

  1. Do not squeeze or pull the tick, this can cause it to inject more toxin.
  2. Keep your pet calm and minimise handling.
  3. Call Normanhurst Vet immediately on (02) 9489 6000.
  4. Transport your pet carefully, avoid stress or exertion.
  5. If removal is advised by our team, use a tick removal tool and bring the tick to the clinic for identification.

Even if your pet seems fine after tick removal, they may still have circulating toxin. Veterinary monitoring is essential for at least 24 hours.

Tick Prevention: Keeping Pets Safe

Preventing tick bites is far easier, and safer, than treating paralysis. Normanhurst Vet recommends a multi-layered prevention approach that includes:

1. Regular Tick Prevention Products

Use a veterinary-approved tick control product suitable for your pet’s species, size, and lifestyle. Options include:

  • Oral chews (e.g. monthly or 3-monthly preventatives)
  • Spot-on treatments applied to the skin
  • Tick collars for long-lasting protection

Always check that the product is safe for both dogs and cats, some dog-only treatments are toxic to cats.

2. Daily Tick Checks

Run your hands over your pet’s coat every day, especially:

  • Around the head, neck, ears, lips, and under the collar
  • Between toes and under the front legs
  • Around the tail base and groin

Ticks can be as small as a pinhead before feeding, so be thorough.

3. Grooming and Clipping

Keeping your pet’s coat shorter during tick season makes daily checks easier and improves visibility.

4. Environmental Control

Keep grass short and remove leaf litter in your garden. Ticks love humid, shaded environments.

5. Professional Advice

Our veterinarians can recommend safe, effective tick prevention tailored to your pet.

For further prevention tips, visit the RSPCA’s Tick Prevention Guide.

When to Contact Normanhurst Vet Practice

If you suspect your pet has a tick, notice paralysis symptoms, or live in a known tick-risk area, contact Normanhurst Vet Practice on (02) 9489 6000.

We offer same-day tick assessments and can provide emergency treatment including:

  • Tick antiserum administration
  • Oxygen therapy and fluid support
  • Continuous monitoring and recovery care

If you can’t bring your pet in, our mobile VetVan can come to your home for assessment and transport if needed.

Your prompt action can make the difference between recovery and tragedy.

FAQs About Tick Paralysis

  1. When is tick season in Sydney?
    Tick season generally runs from September through March, but cases can occur year-round during humid conditions.
  2. Can indoor pets get ticks?
    Yes. Ticks can enter the home via clothing, other pets, or plants.
  3. How soon do symptoms appear after a tick bite?
    Signs of tick paralysis may appear within 3–5 days of attachment.
  4. Can I prevent ticks naturally?
    There’s limited scientific evidence for natural preventatives. Vet-approved products remain the safest option.
  5. How long after treatment will my pet recover?
    Recovery can take several days. Some pets may experience temporary weakness or breathing difficulty. Always follow your vet’s aftercare instructions.

A Final Word from Normanhurst Vet

Paralysis ticks are a fact of life in Sydney, but with vigilance and prevention, they don’t have to endanger your pet.
Whether you need advice on tick prevention products, a tick check appointment, or emergency help, our team at Normanhurst Vet Practice is here for you.

31 Normanhurst Road, Normanhurst NSW
(02) 9489 6000
Ask about our VetVan mobile service for in-home tick checks and care.